Pace High School ended celebrating Black History Month with the school’s annual assembly where students can show their creativity through performances and fashion.
The lineup consisted of dancers, singers, a drama performance, poetry and a fashion show.
Black History Month is important because it serves as a month to celebrate the achievement of African Americans throughout history. It is important to celebrate this in a school setting to encourage kids to pursue their dreams and they can make a change.
The assembly was organized and planned by students with the help of faculty. “It’s nice that our school community can stand up and say that although all these things are going on in the world, we still notice, and we still appreciate all that African Americans have contributed to the world.” said Winifred Haastrup, a senior at Pace.
The cheer team started the assembly setting the spirit for the rest of the performances. Students from different grades performed songs from artists like Slick Rick, Adele, Andrea Day, and Ruth B.
The drama club performed an African folklore story called “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears”. Two seniors, Tyra Rose and Sade Clarke read their own poems.
The fashion show was filled with students showing their culture through their clothing. Students picked out these outfits for various reasons.
The show was put together by seniors Talia Tetteh and Ryan Williams with the assistance from art teacher Mr. Zoboi. They wanted to highlight fashion that revolves around Black culture inspired by students who go to Pace.
The thought behind each outfit was collaborated with the models and staff as they wanted each of them to get their own creative input into what they wore.
Some students were inspired by an artist they listened to growing up. “I was inspired by how black people used to dress in the 90s, specifically Lil Kim and Faith Evans because they used to wear big coats with fur boots.” said senior Brandy Howard.
Others wanted to show where they’re from through their choice of outfit.“ I didn’t wanna wear modern clothing because I felt like it wasn’t really my culture. So I wanted to wear something that would reflect my own culture since this black history month and there are different cultures here too.” senior Maty Bar said.
“It’s not often we recognize the beauty of the essence of Black culture so putting this show together with like minded creatives like Ryan is honestly refreshing as we, the youth, take back the narrative and connotation of the words Black culture” said senior Talia Tetteh.
